The actor, comedian and "Last Comic Standing" host and executive producer will play Rick the Implausible, a magician.

New Line's movie begins shooting in January. It is about successful Las Vegas magician, Burt Wonderstone, whose partner dies in a risky stunt. After the death, Wonderstone, played by Carell, struggles to rediscover his love for magic and defeat a rival magician.

Also read: New Line Wants to Pair Jim Carrey With Steve Carell in 'Burt Wonderstone'

Don Scardino, who has directed more than 70 episodes of "30 Rock" and many episodes of "Law and Order," "Hope & Faith" and others, is directing.